22 Mei 2015

President Tony Tan Keng Yam Visits the RSAF's 150 Squadron in France

22 Mei 2015

RSAF's 150 Squadron at Cazaux Air Base approximately 56 km southwest of Bordeaux., France (photo : RSAF)As part of his State Visit to France, President Tony Tan Keng Yam visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) 150 Squadron at Cazaux Air Base today. Hosted by the Chief of Air Force, Major-General Hoo Cher Mou, President Tan officiated at the opening of the Ground Training Centre, toured the detachment's facilities and interacted with RSAF personnel. He also met the families of the RSAF staff based in Cazaux Air Base and thanked them for their support.President Tan was accompanied by Mrs Mary Tan, Minister for Communications and Information Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Second Minister for Defence Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Members of Parliament Mr Baey Yam Keng and Ms Ellen Lee, and other senior RSAF officers.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam (in suit), accompanied by Mrs Mary Tan (on his left) and Chief of Air Force Major-General Hoo Cher Mou (on his right), viewing the M-346 Full Mission Simulator. (photo : Sing Mindef)Sharing his thoughts on the visit, President Tan said, "I last visited Cazaux Air Base in 1998. I was impressed to learn about the new state-of-the-art training facilities and systems that have been developed to train our RSAF aircrew. Such continuous development will better enable our aircrew to be equipped with the skills needed to defend our country. We are also appreciative of France's support towards RSAF's training."150 Squadron operates the M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer which was inaugurated by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen in September 2014. The M-346 replaces the A-4SU Super Skyhawk, and enhances fighter aircrew training with its sophisticated simulations, aerodynamic performance, and modern avionics systems.Cazaux Air Base is home to 150 Squadron and its personnel, including Pilots, Air Force Engineers, trainees and support staff. The RSAF has conducted flying training in France since 1998, and both Air Forces also interact regularly through various professional exchanges and courses. These interactions are testament to the excellent and long-standing defence relations between the two countries.(Sing Mindef)